There are several little secrets like this that relate to the plumbing industry, yet we homeowner’s know nothing of them. This is because these types of questions can’t be answered unless they are asked first! And if we don’t know what to ask about, how can we stay well-informed? Fortunately, you can read up on fun and interesting blogs like this one to help spark your curiosity and be better-prepared the next time your plumber is making a routine stop at your home. Continue reading for more plumbing secrets and a few tips to stay ahead of plumbing mishaps and mistakes.
Mondays are the Busiest Day for a Plumbing Company
This is something that many people haven’t caught onto yet. Perhaps it’s the wives calling to fix the plumbing job their husbands attempted over the weekend, or that people like to make to-do lists at the beginning of the week. No matter what the reason may really be, Mondays are not the best day to request service from a plumbing company. You can call them to schedule, of course, but it is not likely you’ll get same-day service on a Monday.
Plumbing Stores Have Great Recommendations
If you want to find a reputable plumber, contact your local plumbing supply center or plumbing fixture store for a trustworthy recommendation. These niche stores do not deal with corrupt or inept plumbers. They can suggest one that is s true professional and exceptional at what they do for a living.
Putting Bricks in the Toilet Does Not Work
Many people think placing an obstacle, like a brick, inside their toilet bowl will help preserve water consumption. But what this actually does is inhibit your toilet’s ability to flush properly. And the same goes with drain cleaner down the toilet. This is a no-no because it can corrode your underground piping, leading to costly plumbing repairs. If your toilet is clogged, use a plunger or call a licensed plumber.
The Main Water Supply Shut-Off Valve Will Stop a Flood in Your Home
If something in your home is flooding, simply locate your main water supply, and turn the valve so it shuts off. This will stop the flow of water in your plumbing pipes. So many people have no clue where their main water shut-off valve is located. The message here is, if you own your home or care about the stuff in it, locate this valve right now so you can be prepared for any future flooding emergencies.
Flushable Doesn’t Always Mean Flushable
So many clogged pipes are caused by those store-bought items that claim to be flush-able, when it fact, they do not break down and disintegrate like toilet tissue. Be on the lookout for this term, and be very cautious when using a product that is supposedly suitable for flushing.
Plumbers are Not Supposed to Remove Shower-Head Water Flow Inhibitors
It is against a plumber’s code to remove water flow inhibitors in shower-heads to increase water pressure. But so many people ask all the time. For this reason, some plumbers will make exceptions and do this for a client if they are asked. But technically, it goes against the plumber rulebooks.
A Master Plumber is NOT a Handyman
You would be surprised to hear how many people ask master plumbers if they offer other types of services, like repairing cars or handyman work. This is exhausting because this means homeowners don’t understand or realize the complexity and training it requires to become a state licensed master plumber. You wouldn’t ask a dentist if they offered pet-sitting services; would you?
A Loose Toilet Handle is an Easy and Cheap DIY Fix
When the toilet handle is jiggling or wobbly, you can assume the flap valve needs replaced. This is a four dollar part at any local hardware or home store. And it is simply to install. A plumber might cost anywhere from 50 to 100 dollars for a call like this; especially if they are supplying the new part.
Jammed Garbage Disposals Need an Allen Wrench
It’s simple. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual, or locate the proper manual online, and then find the Allen wrench your disposal most likely came with. With this, you can clear this problem up yourself without the help of a plumber. Just be sure you turn the power supply or fuse box off before working on a garbage disposal!